Our Candidates Sweep New York Primaries

An energized electorate across New York swept progressive Democrats to victory in State Senate races, including all seven of the candidates endorsed by Food & Water Action.

With the support of Food & Water Action, these candidates running as climate champions triumphed in their primaries:

Jessica Ramos (State Senate, District 13)

Julia Salazar (State Senate, District 18)

Zellnor Myrie (State Senate, District 20)

Alessandra Biaggi (State Senate, District 34)

Karen Smythe (State Senate, District 41)

Jen Metzger (State Senate, District 42)

Scott Martens (State Assembly, District 98)

The victories of Ramos Myrie, and Biaggi were especially notable, as they were driven by progressive energy to oust powerful incumbents affiliated with the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC), a bloc of elected officials who won office as Democrats but caucus with Republicans in Albany. Six of the eight former members of the IDC lost, which was a truly remarkable outcome. The IDC has been one of the biggest obstacles to passing ambitious climate legislation in New York. Biaggi, Myrie, and Ramos all committed to supporting legislation that will get New York to 100% renewable energy by 2030. Salazar, who also supports this legislation, also won her race against an establishment Democrat.

Thanks to stunning grassroots organizing and a bold, progressive vision, these candidates are well-positioned to win in November. They will represent a powerful, progressive force in Albany that will shake up the status quo.

Food & Water Action endorsed these candidates based on their commitment to moving New York to 100% renewable energy by 2030, stopping fossil fuel infrastructure projects statewide, and protecting publicly-owned water systems from corporate takeover.

Winning these primary elections was just the first step to making New York’s legislature the most progressive legislative body in the country. Step two is winning big contests in the general election.

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Food & Water Action is the sister organization to Food & Water Watch. While donations to Food & Water Action are not tax deductible, this gives us the ability to aggressively lobby legislators on issues that are important to you, support political candidates that will make a difference and engage voters to strengthen our democracy.

Paid for by Food & Water Action. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.